Finding a Breeze: New Titles for Middle School Choir Friday, August 29, 2025
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist
Finding a Breeze by Matt Carlson, SA with piano
“Finding a Breeze” is about breaking free from the weight of negative thoughts and being lifted up by positive ones. Composer Matt Carlson uses flowing melodies and compelling harmonies, making this treble work suitable for all ages.
Journey the Night by Lisa Longe, 3-part mixed with piano
“In darkness, we see more than we know.” This haunting 6/8 original is carefully crafted for developing groups with moderate-range voice parts and a supportive, uncomplicated accompaniment. Poetic lyrics about the mystique and wonder of nighttime evoke sounds of singing shadows. Composed mostly in D minor, the final bars soften and slow with an uplifting shift to the relative major.
Cantate Gaudentes! (Sing Joyfully!) by Coleman Peterson, 3-part mixed with piano
“Sing joyfully! Lift your voices high, together as one. Seize the day with laugher and love!” This exuberant secular concert opener for developing mixed choirs is written in both Latin and English. Ideal ranges for all voice parts, with a modern and supportive piano accompaniment throughout. Teachable moments abound, making this excellent for middle level festivals and combining choirs to start any concert with a bang! A Latin phonetic pronunciation guide is included in the choral octavo.
The Owl, the Wind, and the Moon by Mark Burrows, 3-part mixed with piano
Three nighttime characters emerge one at a time to “weave their nocturnal tune” in this imaginative autumnal original. Singers become storytellers with a creative text, musical word painting, dramatic dynamics, and even sound effects – the song begins and ends by imitating the whispering wind. Program a mysterious, magical moment this fall or any time of year!
O Lux Beatissima by Mark Burrows, 3-part mixed with piano
Wonderful opportunities for teaching breathing, phrase-shaping, pure vowel sound, and dynamic control abound in this elegantly flowing setting of a traditional Latin text. Carefully scored for success with young voices, it is a simply-stated, finely-crafted addition to your library.
One Small Light by Karen Crane, 3-part mixed with piano
Karen Crane’s “One Small Light” is a heartfelt and inspiring piece for three-part mixed voices, perfect for concerts with themes of hope and perseverance. With a gentle yet uplifting melody, this song encourages singers and listeners to embrace their potential and recognize the powerful ripple effects of small acts of kindness and courage. “One Small Light” reminds us all that even the smallest spark can illuminate the darkest places.
Mixolydian Gloria by Remel Derrick, SAB with piano (optional a cappella)
Using the mixolydian scale rather than a conventional major scale, Remel Derrick’s rhythmically charged SAB setting of the Gloria text is written for the developing mixed choir. With the option to sing with or without piano, your choir will enjoy learning and performing this fun, cool, and accessible piece!
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About the Author:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.